Child shot during home invasion

SAMPSON COUNTY (WTVD) — The Sampson County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a home invasion that has left a child fighting for his life.

Authorities were called to a home on Plantation Lane outside of Clinton around 10:30 P.M. for a reported burglary and shooting.

The 911 caller said a male suspect broke into the home and tried to force entry into a bedroom. When the suspect couldn’t break in, he fired a gun into the bedroom striking a 4-year-old child. The father attempted to chase the suspect who fled into a getaway vehicle, police said.

Family members drove the child to Sampson Regional Medical Center where he was airlifted to a regional medical facility. Officials said the child is on life support and listed in critical condition.They have not released his name at this time.

The suspect is described as a tall black male. Police were unable to get a vehicle description of the getaway car or how many other suspects were inside.

As police were responding to this incident, a second burglary was reported at 2285 Turkey Highway. The 911 caller said three armed suspects took a large screen television. No one was hurt, police said.

The three suspects were described as black males wearing hooded sweatshirts.

Investigators have not linked the two incidences at this point, but anyone with information should contact the Sampson County Sheriff’s Department at (910) 564-5261